Holiday SZN: The Broke Girl’s (and Guys) Perfect Gift Guide

With holiday season usually comes loads of unnecessary stress over shopping. People tend to panic for the perfect for their loved ones, bae(s), and friends. To be completely honest (and kinda corny), the best gifts aren’t the most expensive or popular ones.

The best gifts are the ones that show you’ve actually been listening to/paying attention to their likes, dislikes, and hobbies. In honor of the upcoming holidays, here’s a guide to the best gifts that won’t break your pockets.

For the Stationery Stans (because yes, people still actually write notes):

Holiday Cards from Lindsay Adams of I Paint in Heels: After literally screaming “Yass” every time I saw her Black Girls Who Blog illustration of the month, I took a look over at her etsy page to find a Tarji P. Henson card I fell in love with! Lindsay’s cards and illustration run between $20 to $35 and can be purchased here!

For the “I Like Art” type girl (or your homeboy who just moved into a new apartment):

Prints/Original Artwork by Rebecca Maria: Because who doesn’t want a little bit of Camron or a scene from Belly or Paid in Full in their crib? Rebecca Maria has taken her love for hood classics and put it into her artwork. Canvas prints are $100 while the mini prints are only $40. Her most recent work includes Seinfield and Homer Simpson, can’t go wrong with that!

Prints/Artwork by Kashmir : If the person you’re looking to buy a gift for is into Juice, Living Single, Martin, or It’s A Different World, then Kashmir has got you covered. In honor of the holidays the Cleveland bred artist is offering four print bundle deals for $100! If you’re looking for a smaller option or a house warming gift, Kashmir also makes coasters for $40! Sidenote: Ladies, she also made a Lil Kim clutch that there are not enough flame emojis in the world for !

For the hip-hop nerd:

2 Chainz “Dabbing Santa” Sweaters: Let’s just call 2015 the year of the Dab. 2 Chainz has dropped a variety of holiday inspired sweaters on his site that will cost around $34.

Limited edition “45s Box” set of A Tribe Called Quest’s Peoples’ Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm: This is for the hardcore Tribe fan or vinyl collector. This collector’s item will cost you $74.98 and is available here.

Note: Thrifting for vinyls is also a cheaper alternative! If you’re on a time crunch, try sites like Fat Beatsand Turntable Lab to cop your loved ones favorite album or vinyl.

Karen Civil’s “Be You and Live Civil: Tools for Unlocking Your Potential & Living Your Purpose” is a great read for those fresh out of college and wondering what’s next or for those looking to more forward with their dreams.

For the Streetwear /Vintage lover:

Shirts from The Clean Slate 704: The men of The Clean Slate 704 have fused their love of hip hop and streetwear to create vintage inspired tees. The “Freek’n You” Tour Tee is only $28 while the popular Gucci Mane “Trap God” tee is only $25. With all the sneakers dropping this winter, any other these shirts (including my personal favorite The Sade Love tee) are bound to keep the guy in your life looking good.

For the Skincare Savants:

Balm & Co. by DC’s very own Alex Elle: Balm & Co. offers homemade skincare products, aromatherapy balm, and serums to help with tattoo healing! One of the most popular products, Big Ass Beard Balm, is perfect for the bearded men in your life. There is currently a 25% off sale uses the code : untilfriday !

Fig+Yarrow: The beauty of Fig+Yarrow is that they offer a variety of natural health, skincare, and hygiene products. From lavender laced tooth salves to cardamom and coffee body scrubs, Fig+ Yarrow has got you covered. Though they’re on the pricier side, there are a few gems that you can cop for under $25, including a Four Season Steam Set which will automatically turn a bathroom into a day spa.

Flo+Theo:If you know me by now, then you know I swear by Flo+Theo’s entire line! In honor of the holiday, the skincare sisters are having a 25% off sale on their body polishes and body butters. The duo is the perfect gift right under $50.

For the naturalista/product junkie:

Hair wraps from The Wrap Life: Known for their vibrant printed head wraps, The Wrap Life is having a secret Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale which you can sign up for here. The statement headpieces typically cost around $24 but there are some under $20!

For the makeup junkie ( because you, your bae, or homegirl can never have too many lipsticks):

Note: Fellas if you’re buying lipstick or other makeup for your girl, go with a set. Gifts sets offer a variety of shades so she’s not stuck with a shade that may or may not compliment her skin.

ColourPop: ColourPop offers a variety of shades of matte lipsticks for a reasonable price. This “Kitty” matte lipstick set costs $20 and is available here. ColourPop also swatches their products on people of color if you want to see what it looks like before you purchase.

Mac Cosmetics Gift sets: Mac is having a 25% off sale for all lip and eye sets that means all $35 sets are now $26.25. ( I may have to treat myself to a set!)

This guide will be updated weekly until Christmas, y’all! In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving!